News Release

Tuesday, June 26, 2012

Traffic Collision Leaves One Dead NR12294rh

Los Angeles: The Los Angeles Police Department’s Valley Traffic Division is investigating a fatal traffic collision that left one dead and another injured.

On June 25, 2012, around 9:37 p.m., a traffic collision occurred on Parthenia Street west of Corbin Avenue. In the first vehicle, an 18-year-old driver and his 25-year-old sister, both from Northridge, were traveling west on Parthenia Street west of Corbin Avenue when a second vehicle traveling east on Parthenia Street veered into the westbound lane and collided with their car.

The Los Angeles City Fire Department responded to the scene and transported the drivers of both cars to a local hospital where they were treated and released for minor injuries. The passenger in the first vehicle, identified as Griselda Sandoval, suffered fatal injuries and died at the scene.

Investigators have determined that the driver of the second vehicle, identified as 50-year-old Valerie Stewart of Van Nuys, was driving under the influence of alcohol. Stewart was booked for vehicular manslaughter, and her bail set at $50,000.

Anyone with information or may have witnessed the traffic collision is asked to contact Valley Traffic Division Detective Stephanie Krajchir at 818-644-8034. During non-business hours or on weekends, calls should be directed to 1-877-LAPD-24-7 (1-877-527-3247). Anyone wishing to remain anonymous should call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (800-222-8477). Tipsters may also contact Crime Stoppers by texting to phone number 274637 (C-R-I-M-E-S on most keypads) with a cell phone. All text messages should begin with the letters “LAPD.” Tipsters may also go to www.lapdonline.org, and click on "Anonymous Web Tips.”